This piece was created specifically for the “New Domestics: East Coast/West Coast” exhibition at the J. Robert & Barbara A. Hillier College of Architecture and Design Gallery at NJIT in Newark, NJ, October7- November 17, 2019.
For the forty years Mark and I have shared a life, we have always been gardeners. Over time our “roles” developed with our interests. Thus he is a master pruner and periodically I sort of just throw a variety of seeds into the ground, or pick and plant perennials. His work is always neat, precise and praise worthy, mine is, shall we say, interesting. A note about our past: when I met Mark he had 500, yes, 500 succulents or cacti in his apartment bedroom. As someone who was pursuing a degree in Land Use Planning, I found this was a hugely attractive hobby. And I still care for about 10 of these plants that have managed to make the 40 year journey with us.

The Magnet 30″x30″ Silk with metallic, cotton and linen thread and floss

As an anniversary gift for my beloved husband Mark, this was made to represent our almost neodymium magnetic response of our hearts and minds when first we met 38 years ago. And the powerful attraction is still there. We always say we are still on our honeymoon, because we are!

“There you go, swimming deeper into Mystery. Here I remain only seeing where you used to be…….Gone from Mystery into Mystery. Gone from daylight into night. Another step deeper into darkness, closer to the light.” Bruce Cockburn